Denmark's Queen Mary postpones father's funeral following heartbreaking death at 84

In Denmark, flags are flying at half-mast to mark the passing of John Donaldson, Queen Mary of Denmark's father, who died at 84, according to official guidelines.

Flowers have been placed outside Amalienborg Palace by citizens wishing to extend their condolences to the mourning royal family.

The royal household has stated that a private funeral service is planned; however, according to the official timeline, the service will occur post-weekend after Prince Vincent and Princess Josephine have their confirmation ceremony.

It has been an incredibly challenging week for Mary, who has been dealing with her father's passing without any engagements until Saturday. 

The weekend also signifies a significant occasion for her twin sons, who will partake in a sacred rite of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Denmark at Fredensborg Palace.

The event will see nearly the entire royal family come together, though it will undoubtedly be tinged with the memory of Queen Mary's father, who shared a close bond with his daughter and grandchildren despite his typically reserved demeanor.

Meanwhile, Frederik of Denmark has continued fulfilling his responsibilities, appearing at official meetings at the Royal Palace. 

This remains the sole item on the King's agenda during these trying times following his father-in-law's passing.

Adding to the uncertainty surrounding Donaldson's funeral is the question of his final resting place. 

Although much of his life was spent in Australia, the birthplace of his children, Annemette Krakau, a royal analyst for Billed Bladet, a Danish media outlet, suggests that there could be a chance he will be buried closer to Denmark.

Given that Queen Mary's father was born and raised in Scotland, it remains a possibility that he may be laid to rest there, alongside his wife Henrietta, Mary's mother, who passed away in 1997.

John Donaldson, born in Scotland on September 5, 1941, had a distinguished career as a professor of Applied Mathematics prior to relocating to Australia in 1963, where he started his family and resided for many years.

He lived most of his life in Tasmania but always retained a strong connection to the British Highlands. 

A vivid memory is John emotionally walking his daughter Mary down the aisle in a traditional kilt during her wedding.